Source: Northern_Echo
Bent proud to be back in squad
AN England recall has left Darren Bent hungry to prove he can lead Fabio Capello's attack in the qualifying campaign for the European Championships in 2012.[LNB] Confirmation of Bent's inclusion in the first squad to be named after the miserable World Cup arrived on Saturday night, when he was named along with Wayne Rooney, Bobby Zamora and Carlton Cole in a list of forwards.[LNB] Now the Sunderland striker is hoping his return to the international fold, just two months after learning his dream of playing in the South Africa finals had come to an end, will mark the start of a bright new era.[LNB] I'm delighted to be back in the England squad; getting called up for your country is a great feeling, he said.[LNB] It's a great boost before the season starts; hopefully I can do well, take my chance and press my claims to become a regular part of the squad.[LNB] Bent, who played 45 minutes of Sunderland's pre-season friendly loss to German club Hoffenheim yesterday, now hopes to start against Hungary at Wembley on Wednesday night.[LNB] Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has backed his goalkeeper Paul Robinson's decision to quit the international scene with England in protest at not being first choice for his country.[LNB] However, Allardyce hinted Robinson could yet change his mind if he was assured of a place in the England team.[LNB] Robinson was chosen by Capello, but declared he did not want to be involved if he was behind Joe Hart and Ben Foster in the pecking order having already been unhappy at missing out on World Cup selection for South Africa.[LNB] Allardyce said: He feels that if he isn't going to be number one, then he doesn't feel the need to be travelling with England.'' Manchester United defender Wes Brown has followed Robinson in announcing his retirement from international football. The FA confirmed Brown visited England's team hotel in Watford last night and told manager Fabio Capello he no longer wished to be involved.[LNB]
